The Dowd Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Dowd
Dowd (O'Dowd / O'Dowda) is an ancient Gaelic Irish surname derived from Ó Dubhda, stemming from dubh, meaning "black" or "dark." The Ó Dubhda sept were royal princes of Hy Fiachrach, ruling vast coastal territories across County Sligo and County Mayo in Connacht. Renowned as naval commanders, scholars, and clan chiefs, the O'Dowds maintained their Gaelic lordship through the 17th century, recorded extensively in medieval Irish chronicles.
The symbolism of the Dowd coat of arms
Visually striking, the Dowd coat of arms features a green shield charged with a broad golden saltire cross beneath two crossed silver swords in chief. In Gaelic heraldry, the green shield symbolises the landscape of Ireland, hope, and vitality, while the golden saltire denotes architectural strength and honor. The crossed silver swords represent martial readiness, justice, and unyielding defense of homeland. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays an arm in armor holding a spear horizontally. Below, the motto scroll displays Virtus ipsa suis firmissima nititur armis, translating to "Virtue itself is supported by its own strong arms." Documented in Edward MacLysaght’s Irish Families.
Historical figures
Taichleach Ó Dubhda (d. 1192): King of Hy Fiachrach recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters.
Finola O'Dowd (15th Century): Chieftain's wife celebrated in Connacht annals for her generous patronage of scholars.
David O'Dowd (1680–1740): Prominent Mayo landholder and Jacobite military officer.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
